Why Nigerian sports is facing decline – SWAN

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has blamed the growing dominance of foreign leagues, poor sports infrastructure, inadequate funding and weak accountability for the decline of Nigeria’s sports sector, warning that the trend is depriving young Nigerians of opportunities to develop their talents and compete globally.

National Patron of SWAN, Mr Moses Andishu, raised the concerns in Kaduna while delivering the keynote address at the association’s 2026 Triennial Delegates Congress, with the theme, “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Competitiveness.” Blueprint reports

Andishu said Nigeria’s sports industry could play a far greater role in youth empowerment and national development if properly harnessed, but lamented that the country had gradually abandoned its indigenous sporting culture in favour of foreign leagues.

According to him, the situation has weakened local competitions, stunted talent development, slowed technological innovation in sports and deprived Nigerian media organisations of sponsorship and endorsement opportunities.

He challenged sports journalists to examine their role in the development of the sector and strengthen their watchdog responsibility by holding sports administrators accountable for the management of resources.

Andishu questioned why Nigeria still suffers from a severe shortage of quality sports infrastructure despite its huge population and abundance of sporting talents.

He also asked why the country had not become a major sports destination on the African continent.

The SWAN patron said the media had a critical role to play in reversing the decline by giving greater attention to Nigerian athletes, local competitions and emerging talents.

He noted that sports remained one of the most powerful tools for reaching young people, promoting national unity and creating economic opportunities.

Foreign leagues threatening local sports

Andishu expressed concern that foreign leagues and international sporting events had taken over much of Nigeria’s media space, leaving local competitions struggling for attention, sponsorship and commercial visibility.

He said the trend had consequences beyond entertainment, warning that the continued neglect of local sports could undermine the pipeline for discovering and developing the next generation of Nigerian athletes.

He recalled the historic contribution of the Nigerian sports press to the emergence of sporting icons, citing veteran journalist Dr Mumuni Alao’s report, “Westerhof, Here Is Your Destroyer,” which he said helped pave the way for the emergence of former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh.

He also recalled how the Nigerian sporting press championed the career of athletics legend Queen Mary Onyali, while praising the late legendary commentator Ernest Okonkwo for his contribution to sports broadcasting.

Andishu challenged contemporary sports journalists to ask themselves whether they still possessed the influence and creativity to identify and promote the next generation of Nigerian sporting stars.

“Do we still possess that magic pen?” he asked.

Youth opportunities at risk

The SWAN patron said the consequences of Nigeria’s sports decline were particularly serious for young people who could use sports as a pathway to education, employment, professional careers and international recognition.

He called for structured mentorship programmes, modern sporting facilities, adequate equipment and improved funding to enable young talents to participate in elite competitions.

He also advocated stronger investment in local broadcasting and streaming platforms to enable Nigerian sports competitions to attract wider audiences and generate sustainable commercial revenue.

According to him, improved broadcasting of local sports could increase athletes’ earnings, attract sponsorship and help build sustainable Nigerian sports brands.

Poor welfare for sports journalists

Andishu also drew attention to the difficult working conditions faced by sports journalists, including poor remuneration, harsh working environments, inadequate welfare packages and the absence of health and life insurance for many practitioners.

He urged journalists to embrace innovation and continuously develop their skills despite the challenges confronting the profession.

He called for greater investment in digital journalism, investigative reporting, data journalism, ethical reporting and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

He said sports journalists must adapt to the changing media environment while retaining the professional values of accuracy, fairness and credibility.

SWAN chairman seeks unity

Also speaking at the congress, the Chairman of SWAN, Kaduna State Chapter, Shehu Abdullahi, urged members to place the collective interest of the association above personal ambitions.

Abdullahi, who delivered the welcome address, described the congress as an opportunity for SWAN members to reflect on the association’s journey and chart a stronger future for sports journalism.

He stressed that leadership positions were temporary while the association remained permanent, urging members to support whoever emerged from the leadership election.

“Leadership comes and goes, but the association remains. We must therefore put the collective interest of SWAN above personal ambitions and ensure that every decision we take contributes to the growth and stability of the organisation,” he said.

He called for a free, fair, transparent and peaceful electoral process, urging delegates to approach the exercise with maturity, tolerance and sportsmanship.

Abdullahi also called for greater attention to the welfare and professional development of SWAN members, stressing the need for continuous training and improved working conditions.

Election holds Friday

The SWAN Triennial Delegates Congress is being held in Kaduna from August 26 to 29, with delegates from chapters across the country participating in the event.

The association’s electoral committee, SWANECO, has cleared candidates for the national and zonal positions ahead of Friday’s election.

Incumbent SWAN President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin (JP), is the sole candidate for the presidency, while Nyong Bonny Silas and Chukwuleta Chigozie will contest for Deputy President.

Incumbent Secretary General Ikenna Okonkwo is the sole candidate for the position, while Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde and Ijeoma Nwante are the only candidates cleared for Treasurer and Financial Secretary respectively.

The North East Vice President position is also contested, with Ahmed Kagana Amshi and Samuel Gangwaja cleared to contest.

The other zonal vice presidency positions have single candidates.

As SWAN prepares to elect its next national leadership, Andishu urged delegates to use their votes responsibly and with integrity, stressing that the association needed courageous and selfless leadership capable of repositioning sports journalism and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s sports development.

He said the future of Nigerian sports would depend not only on government and sports administrators but also on the media’s willingness to scrutinise the sector, promote local talents and demand accountability.

He urged SWAN to remain a neutral bridge-builder, reject factionalism and godfatherism, and strengthen its fight against misinformation, fake news and sensational reporting.

Andishu said a stronger partnership between sports and the media could help restore Nigeria’s sporting culture, unlock opportunities for young people and position the country to compete more effectively on the global stage.